Matt's Custom 4-string Bass

[Darrin Huff (dhuffguitars)]

The scroll on my bass being referenced is carved on both sides... does that est. do both sides for Matt?

[mica]

No, Darrin. The existence of a scroll of any kind on this yet to be made bass is still undecided.

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

Mica,
 
I'd definately want the horn scrolled front and back. The scroll on the kit guitar isn't bad, but it's not scrolly enough for me. If you can do the scroll like Darrin's then go ahead and add it to the quote. Otherwise I'll need to figure out what to do with the upper horn.
 
Thanks

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

BTW Is the kit guitar actually a kit you sell!?!? I'm figuring you don't, but if you do I'd be interested in picking one up.
 
Matt

[Michael Delacerda (dela217)]

I don't think that the kit has been available since the mid 70's.  I remember reading about them, seen one of the basses in a picture, but never got the chance to check one out in person.
 
I think the scroll on the kit guitar is very dainty and sweet.  I like it a lot.  Not too overpowering.  Michael

[mica]

The scroll quote is based on time, so twice the time and twice the price will get it to you. Thanks for pointing that out, Darrin.  
 
Kris can get the templates made on February 24th. So gather any changes before the deadline. Then we can start getting this bass built.  
 
I think the design with an extended pistol grip will be so close to Valentino's that it will practically match. Anyway, you seem pretty dedicated to the scroll.  Let me know if this changes.
 
The kit guitar is a project from more than 30 years ago. The idea is we send you a pile of wood, the pickups, electronics and hardware and you get to put it all together. We didn't sell many, and I only know of one person that ever finished one. We've had a stack of these bodies in the corner of shop ever since then. I figured we should just go ahead build them ourselves.  

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

Thanks for the info on the kit Mike. I too like the way the scroll looks on the kit guitar. It goes well with the rest of the look. However for mine I am looking for more scrolling.  
 
Mica, Darrin had made a good point to me on the phone the other day. Would it be possible to get a full size drawing of the bass before the templates are made? The body is good to go conceptually (The black picture you did with the red arrows), I'd just like to put it on a piece of cardboard so I can see approximately what it's going to look like full scale.  
 
Did you build all the kits? And if not what would you charge if I were to want to buy one.  
 
Matt

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

Hi Mica,
 
When you have some free time could you do some acetone swabs on the Redwood Burl, and the Wacky Walnut in the showcase and perhaps the Madrone Burl? I still have yet to decide on a piece of wood for the top and back.  
 
Thanks
 
Matt

[mica]

Here's the Redwood Burl:  

 

  This wood always looks really nice. I'll get the other ones for you shortly.  We're not selling the kits - we're making the guitars and selling the finished instruments. I've put that project on a slightly lower priority for now.

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

It's either that or the Wacky walnut for me.
 
Will either of those pieces bookmatch to center?
 
Matt

[prime]

Hi Mica when you get a chance could you acetone the Wacky Walnut. I'd like to go either with that or the Redwood.
 
Matt

[mica]

Hey Matt - I have to reclassify that Wacky Walnut to Mutant Myrtle, after smelling it, there's no mistake. Still interested?
 
Both the Redwood and Myrtle are wide enough for BTC.
 
-Mica

[prime]

Absolutely... Positively... YES
 
Oh and for the redwood is that thick enough for the top and back or do I need to get another piece for the back?
 
Thanks Mica
 
Matt

[mica]

If you decide on Redwood Burl, we'd have to find another piece of for the back - I have several sets that are very similar to the one you were interested in.  Here's 503 and 504 acetoned:  

 

  It seems like it will look like slightly greenish Koa. These are two unusual pieces, that's for certain.

[prime]

Let's go with the redwood burl. I'd say I'd take the other burled piece in the woodbank if it didn't have the flame. Do you have any other pieces that are just heavy burl like the piece above?
 
Can you send me a copy of the final body design? I know it'll be a bit larger than the bass will end up being but it'd be nice to be able to judge the shape at a more appropriate scale.
 
Thanks
 
Matt
 
P.S. My address I've sent to you via email.